Jang Dong-hyeok to Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul: "Must Answer to the People Even if Standing up to the President"

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok met with newly appointed Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul today (September 28) regarding a suspected landmine explosion that recently occurred in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), demanding a resolute response and stating that "it is time to answer to the people, even if it means standing up to the president."

During a meeting with Kang, who visited the National Assembly this morning to pay courtesy calls on the leadership of both ruling and opposition parties, Jang said, "I believe it is difficult for President Lee Jae-myung to take responsibility for the security of the Republic of Korea alone," adding, "Even if you cannot remain in this post by standing up to the president at times, I believe the time has come for you to answer to the people of the Republic of Korea who have supported you."

He went on to emphasize, "If the landmine explosion in the DMZ was caused by a mine newly planted by North Korea, it is a clear act of aggression," adding, "It is something that cannot be overlooked."

Jang also added, "When you first entered the Korea Military Academy, you must have become a cadet with passion and patriotism, harboring a sense of honor and pride to protect the Republic of Korea and its people," continuing, "I believe you will find the answers to our security situation if you return to that mindset—how you would have resolved to act if such an incident had happened in our country when you were first appointed a cadet, and with what mindset you accepted your rank insignia at every moment."

He continued, "I hope you handle the DMZ landmine explosion by returning to the mindset of how you would fight if your beloved comrade-in-arms had fallen victim to an enemy mine in wartime," stressing, "I hope you return to the spirit you had when you first entered the Korea Military Academy, understanding the sentiments of junior cadets who hope you will wisely address the issue of integrating the three military academies as you handle these matters."

He also requested, "The last opportunity to defend the Republic of Korea rests on your shoulders," asking him to "please remember the heartfelt desire of the people, who hope that the Defense Minister, at the very least, remains a minister rather than a politician."

In response, Minister Kang replied, "I will carry out my ministerial duties without losing my original intention," adding, "What I can say with certainty is that as Defense Minister, I will build a 'victorious' military of the Republic of Korea that is relentless toward the enemy and beloved by the people."


Prior to calling on leader Jang that day, Minister Kang also met with Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok.

After checking the investigation plan during the meeting, Kim said, "From the perspective of national security and the safety of service members and the military, I hope the (investigation) process will be conducted transparently and thoroughly."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.